Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon
Aérospatiale · France · first flew 1962 · transport aircraft
The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon ('Super Hornet') is a large French three-engine transport helicopter with an amphibious boat hull, developed with Sikorsky technical assistance. It was the largest helicopter produced in Western Europe at the time of its introduction.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 23.03 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large six-blade main rotor with boat hull enabling water operations
- Three Turmo turboshaft engines in paired nacelles above cabin
- Rear loading ramp and sponson-mounted stabiliser floats
A very large single-main-rotor helicopter with a boat-hull fuselage, sponson-mounted lateral floats, three turboshaft engines above the cabin roof, and a distinctive six-blade main rotor; the amphibious hull and triple engines are the primary recognition features.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon has a length of 23.03 m (76 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.9 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 275 km/h (171 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in December 1962, the Super Frelon entered French service in 1966 and was exported to Israel, China, Libya, Iraq, and South Africa. The Chinese produced a licence-built version as the Changhe Z-8, which continues in production in updated form today.
Variants
The SA 321F was the civil transport version; the SA 321G was the French Navy's anti-submarine variant; the SA 321H was an export transport; China's Z-8 series are progressive developments of the basic design.
Where you'll see it
Served with the French Navy in anti-submarine and SAR roles; widely exported to the Middle East and Africa; Chinese Z-8 derivatives remain in production and active PLA service.
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